Foldable metal egg-case.



A. R. BURLESON. FOLDABLB METAL EGG CASE. APPLICATION FILED APB.13,1908.

940,234, Patented Nov. 16, 1909.

a W V7 /Q m I? s i a Z l3, l7 f ALBERT R. BURLESON, 0F WEBSTER CITY, IOWA.

roLnABLE METAL nee-ease.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Application filed. April 13, 1908.

Patented Nov. 16, 1909.

Serial No. 427,286.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, ALBERT R. BUnLnsoN, a citizen of the United States, residing at Vebster City, in the county of Hamilton and State of Iowa, have invented a new and useful F oldable Metal Egg-Case, of which the following is a specification.

The object of my invention is to provide a simple, strong, convenient, durable and foldable metal case specially adapted for advantageously packing and safely carrying eggs and other kinds of merchandise therein and to fold the case compactly together as required to economize space and expense in storing and shipping the case when it is empty.

A further object is to detachably connect the cover with the case so it can be removed and when replaced the case folded and all the parts remain fastened together.

My invention consists in the construction, arrangement and combination of parts as hereinafter set forth, pointed out in my claim and illustrated in the accompanying drawing, in which:

Figure 1 is a side view of the case in its unfolded condition, and Fig. 2 is a side view of the case when folded. Fig. 3 shows a brace adapted to be applied as shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 4 shows the form of a sheet metal plate adapted for use as a cover. Fig. 5 presents an end view of the case. Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the case in a closed position.

The numerals 1O designate the upright angle bars at the corners and 12 the straight and flat metal bars that compose the parallel sides of the case, pivotally connected with the uprights 10, by means of rivets 13, or in any suitable way as required to fold the case.

The braces 1 are each provided with a notch 15 and at one end pivotally connected with the foldable sides by rivets as shown in Fig. 1 in such a manner that when the notched ends are detached from studs 16 extended inward from the lower bars 12 of the sides of the case the pivotally connected sides and ends can be readily folded into position as shown in Fig. 2. The end portions of the case are composed of horizontal bars 18 rigidly connected by rivets with the uprights 10 at the ends of the sides in such a manner that they will fold together as shown in Fig. 2.

The mating top and bottom of the case are fiat metal plates 20 and 21 pivotally and adjustably connected with the top and bottom bars 12 of the parallel foldable sides and preferably corrugated transversely and provided with integral side flanges 19. To the plate 20 that serves as the bottomof the case is pivotally connected the lower bar 12 of one of the sides by means of its flange 19 that overlies that bar and fixed rivets as shown in Figs. 1, 2, and as required to allow the sides to fold into position as shown in Fig. 2. The plate 21 on top of the case is detachably connected with the upper bars 12 of the case as shown in Figs. 1 and 2 in such a manner that a longitudinal movement of the top plate or cover of the case will allow the cover to be lifted off and when replaced will allow the case to collapse and fold together, as shown in Fig. 2, with the top and bottom plates 20 and 21 remaining fiat.

To adjustably connect the top 21 with the top bar 12 of the front and back side of the case, studs a are fixed to said bars to project outward and angular notches b are formed in the flanges at each side of the cover to admit said studs in such a manner that the top cover or plate 21 can be moved longitudinally for fastening and unfastenmg it.

It is obvious the dimensions or size of the case and the weight and quality of the metal of which it is composed may vary as desired.

It is also obvious that when the removable top remains pivotally connected with the case when the case is folded there will be no danger of finding the top missing when unfolded for use.

Having thus set forth the purposes of my invention and the manner of its construction and operation the advantages and utility thereof will be readily understood and appreciated by merchants and others by whom they are to be used.

What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters-Patent, is:

A foldable metal case, comprising two skeleton sides each composed of two uprights and a plurality of flat bars pivotally connected, the lower bar and the upper bar of each side having a fixed stud, a brace pivoted to the corner of each side and each brace provided with a notch at its other end to admit one of said studs and two skeleton ends each composed of horizontal bars riveted to said uprights of the sides, a fiat bottom and flat top each having flanges at its side edges and notches in the flanges to admit said fixed studs on said bars and slidably connected with bars of the parallel sides, to fold to- ALBERT R. BURLESON.

Witnesses:

O. J. HENDERSON, J R. WHITE. 

